Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Alcohol and tobacco consumption can result a variety of
long- and short-term health issues. However, the most extreme risks lie in the
potential for permanent neurological damage. In this entry we will discuss the
toll of tobacco and alcohol on the human brain.

Nervous System

The chemicals found in tobacco products may cause white
blood cells to attack healthy cells, resulting in the potential for disorders
and neurological issues down the road.

State of Mind

Studies have found smoking to result in a decline in
cognitive function 5x the rate of non-smokers. Diminished cognitive functions
may eventually lead to mental deficiencies and dementia in later life.

Brain Damage

Prolonged and excess alcohol intake may lead to brain
damage. As an example, numerous alcoholics eventually develop
Wernicke—Korsakoff syndrome, causing an array of debilitating symptoms,
including memory issues, confusion, and paralysis of the nerves responsible for
eye movement.

Memories

Alcohol’s effect on the brain can be seen after only a drink
or two. With excessive intake over a long enough use period, drinkers will
experience increased memory deficiency.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy places the fetus at risk
for developmental issues both early and later in life. Of these issues, perhaps
the most difficult to stomach is fetal alcohol syndrome; a condition where
children are born with fewer brain cells and smaller brains.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Excessive alcohol abuse can result in a condition known as
alcohol dementia; posing a threat to mental ability and memory function.
Fortunately, the condition can be treated when caught in the early stages. If
alcohol dementia is afforded time to progress, it may prove more difficult to
address the symptoms. In this entry, we will discuss some tips, treatment and
therapy options available in combating this affliction.

Stop Drinking

Though it may seem obvious, the first and more effective
means in combating alcohol dementia is alcohol abstinence. Though you may feel
up to concurring this task on your own, it is highly recommended that you seek
out an alcoholism recovery program
to ensure proper support and treatment throughout this difficult transition.

Vitamin Therapy

Once you have stopped drinking, it is important that you
work with your physician to develop a customized vitamin therapy regimen. Most
individuals suffering from alcohol
addiction will experience severe vitamin deficiencies within the body.
Taking steps to ensure adequate intake will work to promote a more comfortable
and stealthy recovery.

Memantine Treatment

Depending on the extent of your memory loss, your addiction
counselor may recommend placing you on a memantine regime. Memantine is a
substance commonly used with Alzheimer’s patients, and can help to repair the
damage done to your memory and cognitive skills.

Reminiscence Therapy

Reminiscence therapy is a treatment option used to help
alcoholics recollect memories from their past that their dementia has caused
them to forget. This treatment generally occurs in a group environment,
discussing events you have experienced during childhood, familiar items and old
photographs.

Physical Therapy

Alcohol addiction takes a toll on the entire body. As such,
it’s important for those recovering from alcohol dementia to address the body
as a whole through physical therapy.

Be Patient

Alcohol dementia treatment is no easy undertaking. Some
patients require a year or more before a full recovery can be achieved.
Patients suffering from the latter stages of this condition may never regain
their entire memory or cognitive function. Still, there is always hope for
those who try.